Dirtiest places & things in your home

Dirtiest places & things in your home

1 of 31

Take a look at some of the dirtiest places and things you'll find in your home, many of them might surprise you.

2 of 31

Bathtub & Shower

Although the bathtub and shower regularly have hot water and soap running over their surfaces, any water that lingers following the shower or bath can breed mold, fungi, staph bacteria. Soap scum also builds up very quickly in both showers and bathtubs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: ohmeaghan

3 of 31

In order to prevent bacteria from growing, the shower or tub surface should be dried off after each use. The surfaces should also be disinfected regularly as well, up to three times a week. This can be done easily by using a cleaning product that contains at least 3% hydrogen peroxide, and lightly spraying the the tub or shower. You do not need to wipe up the product because hydrogen peroxide evaporates very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: andrechinn

4 of 31

Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

Above your kitchen cabinets lies an area that is often considered out of sight and out of mind. In many homes this tough to reach spot is littered with potentially years worth of dust and grimy buildup. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

5 of 31

This space should be cleaned roughly once a month, and will involve a stepladder and a vacuum with a hose attachment. If you do not have access to a vacuum with a hose attachment, you can also use a dustpan and a small hand broom. When combining this cleaning with other cleaning projects, make sure to do this first so you can then clean surfaces below where any stray dust may have fallen. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: granite-charlotte

6 of 31

Carpets

Although you may vacuum your carpets often, you're not reaching the bacteria at the bottom of the carpet. According to a report by the New York University Langone Medical Center, there are roughly 200,000 bacteria per square inch below a carpet on average. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: okchomeseller

7 of 31

The best way to clean your carpets is to use a professional steam cleaner using a hot water extraction method. This should be done ever 18 months to ensure a cleaner, less bacteria infested carpet in your home. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Paragon Apartments

8 of 31

Coffee Maker

The coffee maker is a high use appliance for many homes, and unless it is cleaned regularly it becomes a breeding ground for germs and grime. Cleaning the coffee maker regularly will also result in better tasting coffee. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Orin Zebest

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9 of 31

You should clean the coffee maker by washing the inside of the machine roughly ever 40 to 80 brews. You can clean the coffee maker by filling the tank with about four cups of vinegar which you then let sit for 30 minutes. After the vinegar sits, run a cycle using the vinegar, and then run two or three more cycles with water until the vinegar smell has dissipated. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: pjinomaha

10 of 31

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are constantly exposed to raw meat, vegetables and more, and as a result of this they can easily become home to germs which can fester. In a study conducted by NSF International, a public health and safety organization it was discovered that 18% of the cutting boards tested were positive for E. coli and Salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Honor Photo Bar

11 of 31

You can easily clean your cutting boards by putting them through the dishwasher or washing them by hand with hot soap and water. Also a cutting board should be washed in between being exposed to each food you are preparing. If you are using wooden cutting boards, it is suggested that you use salt, white vinegar, or lemon juice to clean the board, and then additionally rinse it with hot soapy water. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Didriks

12 of 31

Faucets

The faucets in your house would not jump to mind as dirty, however if you do not clean them regularly you will find a black grunge inside the area where water comes out of the faucet. It's important to clean your faucets because this is water that you're using for cooking, cleaning, and even brushing your teeth. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Steve A Johnson

13 of 31

You can clean your Faucet by removing the aerator and soaking it in vinegar for at least fifteen minutes. Be careful when doing this because the faucet aerator is comprised of several parts, so make sure that you remember how to reassemble it when it's done being cleaned. After the aerator has finished soaking, clean the remaining pieces of the faucet with a toothbrush to remove any leftover residue. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joe Shlabotnik

14 of 31

Handles, Switches, & Doorknobs

Handles and switches are often overlooked items when people clean their houses. Examples include refrigerator handles, light switches, door knobs, and also toilet flushing handles. These are some of the most touched areas in the home, and get dirty very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: kelly.sikkema

15 of 31

Either using a small cloth dampened with a cleaning product, or a pre-treated cleaning wipe, make sure to clean all of the handles, knobs, and switches throughout your home the next time you dedicate time to cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: detsang

16 of 31

Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink may actually be dirtier than your toilet post-flush. This may surprise many because of the constant stream of hot water and soap that are running over it, however it is leftover food particles and a damp environment that becomes a breeding ground for germs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fazimoto

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17 of 31

The sink should be washed daily with soap and water, and also disinfected with a kitchen cleaner once or twice a week. Also be sure to remove all traces of food particles daily and do not let them linger. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: R/DV/RS

18 of 31

Pet Food Dish

Leftover grime from pet food can fester in pet food dishes and become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, which is not a place that you want your pet to be eating from. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Sarah_Ackerman

19 of 31

The pet food dish should be cleaned once a day either by running it through the dishwasher or cleaning it by hand with hot soap and water. In order to ensure the bowls can be cleaned easily, it is recommended that you use either stainless steel or ceramic bowls. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joanna Bourne

20 of 31

Pet Toys

Pet toys are constantly being dragged around the home, put in pets mouths and then left in piles to collect dust. Due to the nature of the use of these toys, they can become home to yeast, mold, and even Staph bacteria. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

21 of 31

If pet toys are made of rubber or plastic, you can wash them by hand every one to two weeks. If the pet toys are made of a fabric material they should be put in the washing machine and washed on a hot water cycle every few weeks. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: AMagill

22 of 31

Inside The Refrigerator

The refrigerator is a high traffic area where food can be left forgotten for extended periods of time. This coupled with the fact that for many it is on the last of the cleaning list creates an area that can become dirty and bacteria infested. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: PV KS

23 of 31

It is advised to avoid using chemical cleaners in the fridge, instead you should use hot water and dish washing soap. You can fill your sink with the mixture of hot water and soap, and then remove each shelf and clean it in the sink, wipe it dry, and then return it to the refrigerator to ensure that your food is not left out on the counter for extended periods of time during cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bradipo

24 of 31

Remote Controls

The remote controls in your house are touched multiple times throughout the day by different people, and they are rarely cleaned. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: espensorvik

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25 of 31

You can easily clean remote controls by taking a disinfectant wipe multiple times throughout the week. Make sure to get in between and over each button to ensure that all bacteria and germ are removed. If you want to go the extra step you can take a small cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol and also clean in between the buttons. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

26 of 31

Kitchen Sponge

Your kitchen sponges are used to clean many surfaces and they quickly and easily become contaminated with bacteria. The average sponge will exhibit bacteria growth after three weeks of use, and these can include E. coli, and even salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

27 of 31

You can easily kill most of the viruses on your sponge by putting it in the microwave for two minutes, however even with doing this it is recommended that you change your kitchen sponge every two weeks or less. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bark

28 of 31

Walls Around The Toilet

Many people think to clean their toilet on a regular basis, however it is also important to clean the walls and floors surrounding the toilet. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: LMRitchie

29 of 31

When looking for cleaners to clean these surfaces, make sure to use a cleaner that contains enzymes that will break down the residing organic material that may be present. First spray the walls and floor, then let it sit for a few minutes then wipe down the cleaner with a damp towel. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Xurble

30 of 31

Toothbrush Holders

The toothbrush holder in your bathroom may not seem like a dirty space, however the average holder has more than two million bacteria cells on and around it. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: woodleywonderworks

31 of 31

Your toothbrush holder should be cleaned once or twice a week. In order to ensure that it is cleaned often, purchase a holder that is dishwasher-safe so you can throw it in with your other dirty dishes where it will be cleaned with minimal effort on your part. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

Take a look at some of the dirtiest places and things you'll find in your home, many of them might surprise you.

Bathtub & Shower

Although the bathtub and shower regularly have hot water and soap running over their surfaces, any water that lingers following the shower or bath can breed mold, fungi, staph bacteria. Soap scum also builds up very quickly in both showers and bathtubs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: ohmeaghan

In order to prevent bacteria from growing, the shower or tub surface should be dried off after each use. The surfaces should also be disinfected regularly as well, up to three times a week. This can be done easily by using a cleaning product that contains at least 3% hydrogen peroxide, and lightly spraying the the tub or shower. You do not need to wipe up the product because hydrogen peroxide evaporates very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: andrechinn

Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

Above your kitchen cabinets lies an area that is often considered out of sight and out of mind. In many homes this tough to reach spot is littered with potentially years worth of dust and grimy buildup. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

This space should be cleaned roughly once a month, and will involve a stepladder and a vacuum with a hose attachment. If you do not have access to a vacuum with a hose attachment, you can also use a dustpan and a small hand broom. When combining this cleaning with other cleaning projects, make sure to do this first so you can then clean surfaces below where any stray dust may have fallen. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: granite-charlotte

Carpets

Although you may vacuum your carpets often, you're not reaching the bacteria at the bottom of the carpet. According to a report by the New York University Langone Medical Center, there are roughly 200,000 bacteria per square inch below a carpet on average. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: okchomeseller

The best way to clean your carpets is to use a professional steam cleaner using a hot water extraction method. This should be done ever 18 months to ensure a cleaner, less bacteria infested carpet in your home. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Paragon Apartments

Coffee Maker

The coffee maker is a high use appliance for many homes, and unless it is cleaned regularly it becomes a breeding ground for germs and grime. Cleaning the coffee maker regularly will also result in better tasting coffee. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Orin Zebest

You should clean the coffee maker by washing the inside of the machine roughly ever 40 to 80 brews. You can clean the coffee maker by filling the tank with about four cups of vinegar which you then let sit for 30 minutes. After the vinegar sits, run a cycle using the vinegar, and then run two or three more cycles with water until the vinegar smell has dissipated. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: pjinomaha

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are constantly exposed to raw meat, vegetables and more, and as a result of this they can easily become home to germs which can fester. In a study conducted by NSF International, a public health and safety organization it was discovered that 18% of the cutting boards tested were positive for E. coli and Salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Honor Photo Bar

You can easily clean your cutting boards by putting them through the dishwasher or washing them by hand with hot soap and water. Also a cutting board should be washed in between being exposed to each food you are preparing. If you are using wooden cutting boards, it is suggested that you use salt, white vinegar, or lemon juice to clean the board, and then additionally rinse it with hot soapy water. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Didriks

Faucets

The faucets in your house would not jump to mind as dirty, however if you do not clean them regularly you will find a black grunge inside the area where water comes out of the faucet. It's important to clean your faucets because this is water that you're using for cooking, cleaning, and even brushing your teeth. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Steve A Johnson

You can clean your Faucet by removing the aerator and soaking it in vinegar for at least fifteen minutes. Be careful when doing this because the faucet aerator is comprised of several parts, so make sure that you remember how to reassemble it when it's done being cleaned. After the aerator has finished soaking, clean the remaining pieces of the faucet with a toothbrush to remove any leftover residue. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joe Shlabotnik

Handles, Switches, & Doorknobs

Handles and switches are often overlooked items when people clean their houses. Examples include refrigerator handles, light switches, door knobs, and also toilet flushing handles. These are some of the most touched areas in the home, and get dirty very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: kelly.sikkema

Either using a small cloth dampened with a cleaning product, or a pre-treated cleaning wipe, make sure to clean all of the handles, knobs, and switches throughout your home the next time you dedicate time to cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: detsang

Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink may actually be dirtier than your toilet post-flush. This may surprise many because of the constant stream of hot water and soap that are running over it, however it is leftover food particles and a damp environment that becomes a breeding ground for germs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fazimoto

The sink should be washed daily with soap and water, and also disinfected with a kitchen cleaner once or twice a week. Also be sure to remove all traces of food particles daily and do not let them linger. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: R/DV/RS

Pet Food Dish

Leftover grime from pet food can fester in pet food dishes and become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, which is not a place that you want your pet to be eating from. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Sarah_Ackerman

The pet food dish should be cleaned once a day either by running it through the dishwasher or cleaning it by hand with hot soap and water. In order to ensure the bowls can be cleaned easily, it is recommended that you use either stainless steel or ceramic bowls. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joanna Bourne

Pet Toys

Pet toys are constantly being dragged around the home, put in pets mouths and then left in piles to collect dust. Due to the nature of the use of these toys, they can become home to yeast, mold, and even Staph bacteria. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

If pet toys are made of rubber or plastic, you can wash them by hand every one to two weeks. If the pet toys are made of a fabric material they should be put in the washing machine and washed on a hot water cycle every few weeks. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: AMagill

Inside The Refrigerator

The refrigerator is a high traffic area where food can be left forgotten for extended periods of time. This coupled with the fact that for many it is on the last of the cleaning list creates an area that can become dirty and bacteria infested. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: PV KS

It is advised to avoid using chemical cleaners in the fridge, instead you should use hot water and dish washing soap. You can fill your sink with the mixture of hot water and soap, and then remove each shelf and clean it in the sink, wipe it dry, and then return it to the refrigerator to ensure that your food is not left out on the counter for extended periods of time during cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bradipo

Remote Controls

The remote controls in your house are touched multiple times throughout the day by different people, and they are rarely cleaned. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: espensorvik

You can easily clean remote controls by taking a disinfectant wipe multiple times throughout the week. Make sure to get in between and over each button to ensure that all bacteria and germ are removed. If you want to go the extra step you can take a small cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol and also clean in between the buttons. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

Kitchen Sponge

Your kitchen sponges are used to clean many surfaces and they quickly and easily become contaminated with bacteria. The average sponge will exhibit bacteria growth after three weeks of use, and these can include E. coli, and even salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

You can easily kill most of the viruses on your sponge by putting it in the microwave for two minutes, however even with doing this it is recommended that you change your kitchen sponge every two weeks or less. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bark

Walls Around The Toilet

Many people think to clean their toilet on a regular basis, however it is also important to clean the walls and floors surrounding the toilet. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: LMRitchie

When looking for cleaners to clean these surfaces, make sure to use a cleaner that contains enzymes that will break down the residing organic material that may be present. First spray the walls and floor, then let it sit for a few minutes then wipe down the cleaner with a damp towel. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Xurble

Toothbrush Holders

The toothbrush holder in your bathroom may not seem like a dirty space, however the average holder has more than two million bacteria cells on and around it. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: woodleywonderworks

Your toothbrush holder should be cleaned once or twice a week. In order to ensure that it is cleaned often, purchase a holder that is dishwasher-safe so you can throw it in with your other dirty dishes where it will be cleaned with minimal effort on your part. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

Take a look at some of the dirtiest places and things you'll find in your home, many of them might surprise you.

Bathtub & Shower

Although the bathtub and shower regularly have hot water and soap running over their surfaces, any water that lingers following the shower or bath can breed mold, fungi, staph bacteria. Soap scum also builds up very quickly in both showers and bathtubs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: ohmeaghan

In order to prevent bacteria from growing, the shower or tub surface should be dried off after each use. The surfaces should also be disinfected regularly as well, up to three times a week. This can be done easily by using a cleaning product that contains at least 3% hydrogen peroxide, and lightly spraying the the tub or shower. You do not need to wipe up the product because hydrogen peroxide evaporates very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: andrechinn

Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

Above your kitchen cabinets lies an area that is often considered out of sight and out of mind. In many homes this tough to reach spot is littered with potentially years worth of dust and grimy buildup. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

This space should be cleaned roughly once a month, and will involve a stepladder and a vacuum with a hose attachment. If you do not have access to a vacuum with a hose attachment, you can also use a dustpan and a small hand broom. When combining this cleaning with other cleaning projects, make sure to do this first so you can then clean surfaces below where any stray dust may have fallen. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: granite-charlotte

Carpets

Although you may vacuum your carpets often, you're not reaching the bacteria at the bottom of the carpet. According to a report by the New York University Langone Medical Center, there are roughly 200,000 bacteria per square inch below a carpet on average. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: okchomeseller

The best way to clean your carpets is to use a professional steam cleaner using a hot water extraction method. This should be done ever 18 months to ensure a cleaner, less bacteria infested carpet in your home. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Paragon Apartments

Coffee Maker

The coffee maker is a high use appliance for many homes, and unless it is cleaned regularly it becomes a breeding ground for germs and grime. Cleaning the coffee maker regularly will also result in better tasting coffee. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Orin Zebest

You should clean the coffee maker by washing the inside of the machine roughly ever 40 to 80 brews. You can clean the coffee maker by filling the tank with about four cups of vinegar which you then let sit for 30 minutes. After the vinegar sits, run a cycle using the vinegar, and then run two or three more cycles with water until the vinegar smell has dissipated. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: pjinomaha

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are constantly exposed to raw meat, vegetables and more, and as a result of this they can easily become home to germs which can fester. In a study conducted by NSF International, a public health and safety organization it was discovered that 18% of the cutting boards tested were positive for E. coli and Salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Honor Photo Bar

You can easily clean your cutting boards by putting them through the dishwasher or washing them by hand with hot soap and water. Also a cutting board should be washed in between being exposed to each food you are preparing. If you are using wooden cutting boards, it is suggested that you use salt, white vinegar, or lemon juice to clean the board, and then additionally rinse it with hot soapy water. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Didriks

Faucets

The faucets in your house would not jump to mind as dirty, however if you do not clean them regularly you will find a black grunge inside the area where water comes out of the faucet. It's important to clean your faucets because this is water that you're using for cooking, cleaning, and even brushing your teeth. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Steve A Johnson

You can clean your Faucet by removing the aerator and soaking it in vinegar for at least fifteen minutes. Be careful when doing this because the faucet aerator is comprised of several parts, so make sure that you remember how to reassemble it when it's done being cleaned. After the aerator has finished soaking, clean the remaining pieces of the faucet with a toothbrush to remove any leftover residue. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joe Shlabotnik

Handles, Switches, & Doorknobs

Handles and switches are often overlooked items when people clean their houses. Examples include refrigerator handles, light switches, door knobs, and also toilet flushing handles. These are some of the most touched areas in the home, and get dirty very quickly. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: kelly.sikkema

Either using a small cloth dampened with a cleaning product, or a pre-treated cleaning wipe, make sure to clean all of the handles, knobs, and switches throughout your home the next time you dedicate time to cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: detsang

Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink may actually be dirtier than your toilet post-flush. This may surprise many because of the constant stream of hot water and soap that are running over it, however it is leftover food particles and a damp environment that becomes a breeding ground for germs. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fazimoto

The sink should be washed daily with soap and water, and also disinfected with a kitchen cleaner once or twice a week. Also be sure to remove all traces of food particles daily and do not let them linger. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: R/DV/RS

Pet Food Dish

Leftover grime from pet food can fester in pet food dishes and become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, which is not a place that you want your pet to be eating from. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Sarah_Ackerman

The pet food dish should be cleaned once a day either by running it through the dishwasher or cleaning it by hand with hot soap and water. In order to ensure the bowls can be cleaned easily, it is recommended that you use either stainless steel or ceramic bowls. (Source: Oprah.com)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Joanna Bourne

Pet Toys

Pet toys are constantly being dragged around the home, put in pets mouths and then left in piles to collect dust. Due to the nature of the use of these toys, they can become home to yeast, mold, and even Staph bacteria. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

If pet toys are made of rubber or plastic, you can wash them by hand every one to two weeks. If the pet toys are made of a fabric material they should be put in the washing machine and washed on a hot water cycle every few weeks. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: AMagill

Inside The Refrigerator

The refrigerator is a high traffic area where food can be left forgotten for extended periods of time. This coupled with the fact that for many it is on the last of the cleaning list creates an area that can become dirty and bacteria infested. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: PV KS

It is advised to avoid using chemical cleaners in the fridge, instead you should use hot water and dish washing soap. You can fill your sink with the mixture of hot water and soap, and then remove each shelf and clean it in the sink, wipe it dry, and then return it to the refrigerator to ensure that your food is not left out on the counter for extended periods of time during cleaning. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bradipo

Remote Controls

The remote controls in your house are touched multiple times throughout the day by different people, and they are rarely cleaned. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: espensorvik

You can easily clean remote controls by taking a disinfectant wipe multiple times throughout the week. Make sure to get in between and over each button to ensure that all bacteria and germ are removed. If you want to go the extra step you can take a small cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol and also clean in between the buttons. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

Kitchen Sponge

Your kitchen sponges are used to clean many surfaces and they quickly and easily become contaminated with bacteria. The average sponge will exhibit bacteria growth after three weeks of use, and these can include E. coli, and even salmonella. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

You can easily kill most of the viruses on your sponge by putting it in the microwave for two minutes, however even with doing this it is recommended that you change your kitchen sponge every two weeks or less. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: bark

Walls Around The Toilet

Many people think to clean their toilet on a regular basis, however it is also important to clean the walls and floors surrounding the toilet. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: LMRitchie

When looking for cleaners to clean these surfaces, make sure to use a cleaner that contains enzymes that will break down the residing organic material that may be present. First spray the walls and floor, then let it sit for a few minutes then wipe down the cleaner with a damp towel. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Xurble

Toothbrush Holders

The toothbrush holder in your bathroom may not seem like a dirty space, however the average holder has more than two million bacteria cells on and around it. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: woodleywonderworks

Your toothbrush holder should be cleaned once or twice a week. In order to ensure that it is cleaned often, purchase a holder that is dishwasher-safe so you can throw it in with your other dirty dishes where it will be cleaned with minimal effort on your part. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Smabs Sputzer

Dirtiest places & things in your home

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Updated: 9:14 AM PST Jan 4, 2017

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Take a look at some of the dirtiest places and things you'll find in your home, many of them might surprise you.